Billingham Stars manager Allen Flavell believes the club’s supporters can act as a sixth man as his side bid for their third derby win of the season at Whitley tomorrow night.

The Ultimate Windows Stars travel to Hillheads brimming with confidence following 4-3 and 6-2 victories over their North-east rivals this term and three league wins in a row.

And Flavell reckons they can extend their winning run and derby supremacy this weekend with yet more vocal backing from the club’s loyal fans.

“There is no game like the Tyne-Tees derby,” he said. “It will be a great atmosphere and the game means something for both sides.

“Whitley Warriors on their home ice are formidable opposition, and the support we take up the A19 really helps our guys lift their game. It’s like having a sixth man on the ice at times.”

A Billingham victory would help the visitors solidify second place in the NIHL Moralee Conference and pile pressure on Whitley in terms of the play-off race.

“A win for us is vital to strengthen our league position and the Warriors will realise that a loss this weekend could leave them outside the play-off party,” Flavell added. “It would be great if we can repeat the performance from the last derby game.”

The Warriors go into the game as the most drawn-against team in the league.

Their 5-5 stalemate against Telford Titans last weekend gave the Shropshire side their first point of the season.

Billingham defenceman Dave Thomas is back from injury but long-term absentees Michael Elder and Andy Finn will not be rushed back for what should be a fast-paced and physical game.